US Rail Freight Gains in Carloads Dips in Intermodal

US Rail Freight Gains in Carloads Dips in Intermodal

According to the Association of American Railroads, the U.S. rail freight market showed divergence in the week ending August 7th. Carload traffic increased by 6.3% year-over-year, primarily driven by strong demand for metallic ores and coal. However, intermodal volume decreased by 0.6% year-over-year, potentially due to port congestion and truck driver shortages. While year-to-date figures remain positive, supply chain challenges and industrial restructuring remain key areas of focus moving forward.

01/19/2026 Logistics
Read More
US Service Sector Growth Slows but Stays Strong in June

US Service Sector Growth Slows but Stays Strong in June

The US Services PMI decreased from 64 in May to 60.1 in June. While the growth rate slowed, it remained above the 50 threshold, indicating the service sector has been expanding for 13 consecutive months. Supply chain bottlenecks, labor shortages, and inflationary pressures may have contributed to the slowdown. The service sector remains a key driver of US economic growth. Continued monitoring of PMI trends is necessary to assess the sector's performance and its impact on the overall economy.

01/19/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
Packaging Industry Boosts Automation Amid Pandemic Ecommerce Demand

Packaging Industry Boosts Automation Amid Pandemic Ecommerce Demand

The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the automation transformation in the packaging industry, with companies facing labor shortages and surging e-commerce demands. Secondary packaging is becoming a key area for automation, and technologies such as collaborative robots and remote maintenance are increasingly prevalent. Human-machine collaboration will be a major trend in the future of the packaging industry. This shift aims to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance resilience in the face of evolving market dynamics.

01/19/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
US Service Sector Growth Slows in February ISM

US Service Sector Growth Slows in February ISM

The ISM report indicates continued growth in the US service sector in February, albeit at a slower pace. Most industries experienced growth, while real estate faced pressure. Sub-indicators presented a mixed picture, leading to cautious optimism among experts. The report highlights the ongoing impacts of the pandemic, supply chain challenges, and labor shortages. It provides valuable economic signals for investors, reflecting a nuanced picture of the current economic landscape and potential future trends in the service sector.

01/19/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
Airline Passengers Weigh Higher Costs for Ontime Flights

Airline Passengers Weigh Higher Costs for Ontime Flights

Airline on-time performance improved during the pandemic, but several factors are at play. Reduced flight volume, aircraft utilization, pilot shortages, infrastructure investments, and transit traffic all influence on-time performance. Airlines need to balance on-time performance with cost, and ultimately, the decision rests on whether passengers are willing to pay a premium for higher on-time rates. Understanding these trade-offs is crucial for optimizing airline operations and meeting passenger expectations while maintaining cost-effectiveness.

01/19/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
Private Fleets Grow As Supply Chain Fix Amid Disruptions

Private Fleets Grow As Supply Chain Fix Amid Disruptions

During the pandemic, private fleets have experienced growth due to their advantages in customer service and cost control, becoming a key component of corporate logistics strategies. They effectively address capacity shortages and improve operational efficiency. This resilience highlights the strategic importance of private fleets in navigating disruptions and optimizing supply chain management. Their ability to provide dedicated service and control costs makes them a valuable asset for companies seeking to enhance their logistics operations in a challenging environment.

01/19/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
Freight Index Shows Annual Growth Despite Seasonal Spot Market Decline

Freight Index Shows Annual Growth Despite Seasonal Spot Market Decline

The DAT report indicates a month-over-month decrease in spot truckload freight volume for September, but a significant year-over-year increase. Seasonal factors, new Hours of Service (HOS) regulations, and driver shortages are key factors influencing the market. Shippers and carriers need to strengthen collaboration to address these challenges and ensure supply chain stability. This collaboration is crucial for navigating the complexities of the current freight environment and maintaining efficient operations amidst fluctuating demand and evolving regulations.

01/21/2026 Logistics
Read More
US Ports Struggle With Funding As Rivalry Infrastructure Demands Grow

US Ports Struggle With Funding As Rivalry Infrastructure Demands Grow

US ports are facing funding shortages, with West Coast ports facing competition from Canadian ports. East Coast and Gulf Coast ports are actively investing in infrastructure to enhance their competitiveness. This article analyzes the importance of port financing and the impact of infrastructure development on port growth. It also explores the strategies various ports are employing to address these challenges, including attracting private investment and optimizing operational efficiency to stay competitive in the evolving global logistics landscape.

01/21/2026 Port Encyclopedia
Read More
Logistics Industry Struggles with Severe Labor Shortage Report Finds

Logistics Industry Struggles with Severe Labor Shortage Report Finds

The logistics industry faces talent shortages and technological changes. This report emphasizes the need to enhance the industry's attractiveness and flexibly respond to the labor market to attract and retain talent. Addressing the skills gap is crucial for future success. Strategies should focus on developing employee skills, offering competitive compensation, and fostering a positive work environment. Furthermore, companies need to adapt their talent acquisition strategies to meet the evolving demands of the supply chain and logistics sector.

01/18/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
Evans Transportation Launches Freight Brokerage Service

Evans Transportation Launches Freight Brokerage Service

Evans Transportation Services (ETS) launches its freight brokerage division, EFS, to address capacity shortages and declining service quality faced by manufacturers. Leveraging 25 years of industry expertise, advanced technology, and a robust carrier network, EFS aims to provide clients with broader capacity options, competitive pricing, and reliable service quality. EFS will help businesses optimize their supply chains, reduce costs, and improve efficiency by offering tailored solutions and expert support in navigating the complexities of freight transportation.

01/20/2026 Logistics
Read More